My Christmas bliss

My finals are over and I’m finally free to write a complete post! I do have many drafts that are awaiting to be published but I just don’t get to finish it. :p Time flies, it’s already mid-December and from now onwards it’d be quick to pass by Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year as well. As I can recall, year 2009 has been a quick roller coaster ride. Travel wise, I’ve left my footsteps in Perth, Langkawi and Penang; as of relationship, I’m still a blank sheet of paper. More friends have left overseas, and Year 2 was tough; being privately self aware does more harm than good to me in year 2009.

As much as I anticipated the Christmas shopping and gatherings, I really want to catch all my favorite movies in the theater now; unfortunately I lack some hardcore friends which are able to run a full movie marathon with me and are generally easy on the choices of movies I pick. Hmmph, no good lehhh.

On a brighter note, I come across 1000 awesome things and it gives me inspiration to explore my own lucky encounters. I hope it’s a good way to end up my year 2009!

1. It’s raining in the morning and I receive an sms to tell that class is canceled.
2. I’m step on the bus and when it is full, someone offers me a seat just because I’m a lady.
3. Something caught my eye and I love it; thus the excitement I get because I knew have to buy it. *sounds wrong *
4. I finally found the name of a song which I did not know earlier.
5. I look at the newly taken photographs and found myself looking nice.
6. Friends shower me with little gifts every once in a while. *tsk Wy Lyn* *tsk Aure*
7. Facebook photo album upload pops up with “Upload successful!”
8. Someone offers me a ride regardless of travel distance and time-consuming factors.
9. Someone asks me out for a favorite movie I anticipate and have not watched!
10. My friends were in my car and the radio plays my favorite songs; AND I KNOW THE LYRICS SO WELL! (it is disastrous for my friends though )

Merry Owl Christmas! (:

Get well soon, hearts.

When you are on the other side of the mountains and hills, there’s no end to my lonely road

In a lifetime how many times are you too late
in discovering you’ve already lost what’s most important to you
Sudden realizations are long gone, why is it only after making mistakes
that you’re willing to believe that you are the one who was wrong
They say that’s just life, you have to try and learn from experience
Try enduring falling tears or you’ll hide yourself away from the feelings you should have
I can’t plead with the world to stop turning,
I know avoidance isn’t useful at all
It’s just that right now, especially at night,
I’ll still think of things that are hard to forget
I think my yearning is a kind of sickness, for so long I haven’t been able to recover from it

When you are on the other side of the mountains and hills, there’s no end to my lonely road
I often think I feel you breathing behind my ears, but I’ve never felt the breath of your deepest thoughts

Frantically forgetting that the people beside us need love and concern,
excuses always increase the distance between us
Unwittingly, unknowingly, we’re always busy complaining and disobeying,
yet we’re unwilling to look back and examine ourselves
Thinking of what foolish things we’ve actually done,
perhaps it’s God testing me
It’s just that this wound requires a bit of time,
it’s just that I yearn for everything that has passed
Those people and things are far from me,
and we eventually will also find distance turned to memories

When you are on the other side of the mountains and hills, there’s no end to my lonely road
I often think I feel you breathing behind my ears, but I’ve never felt the breath of your deepest thoughts
Oh yearning is a kind of sickness, oh yearning is a kind of sickness, a kind of sickness

For how long have you not said I love you,
for how long have you not embraced the people you love
When this world is no longer so lovely,
only love can make things better
I believe, it’s still not too late, ignore those constant disruptions
Don’t make unhappy things stop your progress,
I’m just afraid you won’t speak, just afraid you won’t act
Don’t let the regret continue, it’s still not too late

When you are on the other side of the mountains and hills, there’s no end to my lonely road
I often think I feel you breathing behind my ears, but I’ve never felt the breath of your deepest thoughts
Oh yearning is a kind of sickness, oh yearning is a kind of sickness, a kind of sickness

Translation taken from http://www.onedayinmay.net/Other/Ayue/YearningIsaKindofSickness.html

Penang revisited

So I did it! I had a  trip to Penang amidst the chaos of college dramas. I was more than glad I did not sacrifice fun for work! Should you guess who did I go with, assuming that my college mates were all busy rushing themselves to meet the deadlines?

After meeting Pea at the hostel, she toured us around USM. It was drizzling.

I went with my ex tuition mates and another new friend who is also currently studying at HELP now. I made a promise to Pea that I would visit her when her Jazz band at USM holds a concert during the year end. However, we made the visit a tad bit early, and we visited her and traveled instead of checking out the band concert.

It was a sweet and short 3D2N trip, we stayed at Batu Ferringhi’s Sri Sayang apartment. Hard Rock Hotel was fully booked but we insisted a visit anyway. We rented a Saga and toured around buying the local goods, visiting temples and went clubbing in town with the help of GPS. I’ve well-researched my must-visit places; and it had to be including Khoo Kongsi! The artwork on the walls of the building is amazing, I must have to agree ancient Hokkien residents were so capable of fulfilling their aesthetic needs. Another must-visit place would be Kek Lok Si, though I’ve visited the place for the second time. Perhaps there was so much that I missed during my first visit, perhaps it was the people whom I went with. Burmese temples were also interesting to me as I received my first formal blessing from monks in which my first intention was to ask for their permission to photograph them.

Khoo Kongsi, a must-visit.

Khoo Kongsi. It's all over the walls.

Burmese temple. Each statue is slightly different from one another and they are representatives of different countries.

The monks who offered me the blessings. (:

Taken by a tourist who encouraged us to be spontaneous in photos! And she got what she wanted.

View from the top of Kek Lok Si (Temple of Supreme Bliss)

Leann-yana Sutra: The wisdom of awakening

I also noticed that when I drove in Penang, there were lots of old buildings that are used as an office or boutique. Wawasan Open University was one of the gorgeous examples. I could almost get involved in multiple car accidents just because my eyes stayed lingering to the historical buildings. I would say Penang is a mix of both historical and modern living; but I think only tourists would be reflective of my saying as the locals could be pretty much desensitized.

An old British building used as the Municipal Council of Penang Island.

Another thing Penang is famous for would be… food! Penang Laksa, Penang Curry, Pasembur! We were told that the tourist spots food would not be genuine as a representation of Penang tastes; and this time we were lucky to have Pea and Leann who had better experience in touring us to the right places for a cheaper and tastier alternative.

Penang curry with blood cubes, prawns, sotong, and sihammmmm! Penang Old Town.

Okay, so it was like aunty war fighting for the piahs and rojak sauce.

Our victory

Hard Rock Hotel was newly opened in Penang and since they were doing promotion of a cheaper room package, it was packed with tourists and the rooms were fully booked. We attempted to sneak in the buffet lounge but we failed too because it was also full and that we had to wait. Hence, I strongly recommend tourists to avoid spontaneous visits like we did and book as early as possible if you attempt to check out the latest BOOM in Penang island. Bands were playing and the night continued raining. It was interesting to me that we were shadowed by the biggest mobile umbrella while walking towards the inside of the hotel. Though we did not have the luxury to sit and relax at Hard Rock, I think the glamor-liked chandeliers/lights had treated us well just like we were rock stars.

Self explanatory.

Glam.

We couldn’t get dinner at Hark Rock so went to The Ship instead. (:

Dinner at The Ship.

The downside of Penang must be the infamous traffic jam and ugly drivers. Who said KL was responsible for the reckless drivers? Penang people made themselves so ugly just by driving. It wasn’t new to me about the warning; it was just new to me because I happened to be driving in Penang most of the time during the trip and literally got an awful taste of it. There was this moment where we waited for a car to allow us getting into the mainroad; we counted the cars who passed us by and guess what – it was a driver with KL number plate who allowed us into the queue

The beach in Penang was sadly unappreciated by me because there are other states where their beaches were obviously superior at. *coughs* Redang *coughs*; and I don’t blame Penang for that. Also, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market walk was overrated by travel guide reviews. What I’ve seen more of the market were pirated DVDs and fake watches; and sellers who woo girls as they walk pass. It was perhaps unconscious to them that their faces were already labelled as ‘con man’.

Ferringhi Night Market walk.

I am glad that I’ve revisited Penang and this trip was really a breather for me; it had me realized that I should never get carried away by work. I was too focus in my responsibilities and I couldn’t have fun; but now I see!

Penang Revisited on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=138436&id=556607200&l=542adca2b4

My dearest cousin

Happy 21st Birthday! Gosh I miss all the things I’ve done with you… Kap-chai, watch lame movies, jogging and knowing that the rain would come but still walk without umbrella anyway…

Jogoya, March 2009

Lots of Jenny Hong soya & mah-lai-kou,
kuannie-kuannie

Perth – Extras (I)

We’ve got 3 cameras working during our Perth trip, so now I’ve gotten the photos from my sis and Vincent from China, I’m going to post just a few. Below photos are those I picked and considered them precious. (:

Pictures sequenced not according to timeline.

Kids just wanna have fun with dough!

The roos (:

Ethan helped us with grocery shopping. Not.

Look at her pouch. Spot the little roo's legs!

The fierce Dingo I mentioned.

Hungry? Probably.

Guinea Pig and Bunny. Think of getting a GP? Get a bunch instead and start a farm! They look so contented together, really (:

My love for Barn Owls started from here.

Addressing issues for a psychological relief

First I will not make things emotional. Second I will not whine. Third I need to declare my needs because my non verbal cues don’t seem to get much of a feedback I needed.

I acknowledge that I am being a prude in group assignments without being told. This is hard on me too, I am very conscious on how I use ways to communicate better but I always have anger issues to ruin my patience with. I am addressing this issue to my group mates who feels being threatened to work with me under stress. If I have the choice, I do not want to be the decision maker.

Chuan Ling, if you’re still sane enough to read my blog: Don’t disturb me with your messages and don’t bother calling anymore. My ignorance is clear enough to tell you that this is over. Things have changed. Accept and face it. You have been a psychological threat to me.

Thirdly, an issue with the elder sibling. I urge you to acknowledge that I am not a doormat, I don’t like people to walk into my room and take things away. I feel exploited and my resources are running dry when my obvious retreat is my computer, my room and my privacy. You always wish to support me. But you never did the right things.

I feel that birthdays and celebrations have become a social obligation. I feel that things are not genuine anymore. For mine, it was like a judgement day for me, a harsh one. Can’t say that I was allowed to be disappointed.

In one of online distributed questionnaire I’ve participated for a senior, my results indicated that I have a risk of being depressed and I am advised to be seeing a counselor. And I am in denial.

I am not very good with saying words of affection and showing it. In fact, I try to avoid the situation whenever possible. But I am not any different than other social beings to have a need for love, approval and support. My side of the wall is higher but if you’d be more assertive to break over, my heart is all out for you. I have never tried crying on shoulders; but I heard it feels good.

I did not write an emotional post. I did not write an emotional post. And I did not write an emotional post.

This post is for you :D

On second thought, I thought this present is for myself

If you don’t get it in within 10 days, well at least you’ve got knowing how it looks like.

Alahhh, what I wanted to say, is said in the letter enclosed with the wrapper. Happy 20th birthday! (: I wish you well, Pui Mun.

A week at Perth (IV)

Day 7

Paid quite a costly price just to enter the Caversham Wildlife Park. Watched some birds, roos and wallaby as the koala gate was still closed. I have a thing for Masked Owl (Barn Owl); I think they look really elegant with  the masked appearance and white feathers.

*Why so scared*

Was a bit late for the farm show and missed the introduction. Had a fun time watching the demonstration where the sheep was shaved *poor sheep* and milking the cow after the show was over.

Demonstration of sheep shaving.

Another animal show was an hour more; the koala entrance gate was finally opened so we went inside. However, the koalas were still sleeping and we could only gently stroke them using the backs of our hands.

Tasmanian Devil. Not what I expected like in the Looney Tunes though.

Wombat! See the resemblance? :p

This park is never an average visit-to-the-zoo. I’ve never seen so many guinea pigs in my life, not even in the pet shop. And they stay in a large area of hay together with other rabbits. You just can’t keep your attention to one because they’re so cute in a bunch. White Llama looked elegant to me; White Dingoes are graceful but not when they are provoked (Vincent growled and irritated a Dingo, not a wonderful experience to watch its sharp teeth ) *Thank God for the electrical fencing*

We had our lunch at mom’s friend’s. Heard jokes about Singaporeans buying apple strudels in bulk from Corica . Had a good time spending with uncle and aunt; the world’s so small we came to realize that the uncle is actually a good friend of my lecturer’s since young! *coughs* Dr. *coughs* Goh.

Beef and wedges *drools*

Apple Strudel.

Time to walk around! We stopped our car at Wellington Street and took a bus to Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Walked around, then again settled down for a coffee break. Had Japanese food for dinner.

At night, we packed our stuffs and divided our share of wines. It was too much to bring back, we had a booze later that night. I slept early since we had an early flight to catch next morning.

Day 8

Cold morning. Had our last Perth coffees brewed by Yen at the airport. Thanked Yen and Alex. Bid Perth goodbye. Reviewed my goals of this trip. Wombats: Checked. Possums: Checked. Apple Strudels: Checked. Fat Strawberries: Checked. Cheap booze: Checked. Fremantle Fish & Chips: Checked. Hot guys: CHECKED!

A week at Perth (III)

Day 6

Finally had a good night sleep since last night we returned to Perth. Woke up in the morning pretty late today. Was told that we were going to meet friends today at Fremantle.

Walking across the street to Fremantle Markets.

It’s quite a nice place to walk and watch street performers busking. We took a walk inside hall looking at crafts, antiques, boomerangs and all kinds of local products. It finally allowed us to have done some shopping and bought souvenirs since we were pretty much exploring the outdoors and wild life for the past 5 days.

Coolest booth! Miniatures of guitars and drums. And he knows his guitars.

I have not once encountered grocer in PJ sing for me (well not like I visit the pasar lah), but at Perth I’ve been dedicated songs twice by these grocers; oh well, it sure is a brilliant way to get hold of customers. And I like the fact that they do sing great!

Look at the crowd! Don't buy his strawberries also cannot lah like that.

Street performance: Busking on Fremantle’s street

Fremantle fish & chips at Cicerello's. *Vincent wants some Chilli Mussels*

Watched the seagulls come flocking at tables after the people left their seats. Impressed by how smart they are judging the fact that they are birds yet they wait patiently enough till customers took their first foot out of the seats. Walked to Little Creatures Brewing for a beer moment.

Little Creatures Brewing. Flowing beer right from the tab!

We discovered things about my little nephew. We all knew that he likes to manja with pretty girls but little did we know that he’s into Caucasians. He was a downright philanderer judging how he could impress the chicks we met at the brewery. The mother of her two daughters even asked me for my email so I could send her the pictures of Ethan and her daughters.

I wondered if he had caused the sibling rivalry.

Took a walk at a park nearby. At night we drove to Burswood Casino. It was actually my first casino! Won AUD$ 16 that night, do you call that my virgin luck?

EL’s performance

Is it a coincidence that I like BY2’s, Jenny Yang’s and also this one? And EL, you do have a soothing voice.